Finland

Finland has a much milder climate than most other regions of the world that lie as far north. Finland's climate is influenced chiefly by the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that flows off Norway's west coast. Finland's many lakes and the gulfs of Bothnia and Finland help give the country a relatively mild climate. July temperatures in Finland average 13 to 17°C. February is usually Finland's coldest month, with temperatures averaging from - 22 to -3°C. In northern Finland, winter temperatures often drop as low as -30°C or even down to -50°C, sometimes with strong, cold easterly or northeasterly winds. Snow covers the ground in southern Finland from December to April, and northern Finland is snowbound from October to April. Most of the country is icebound in winter, the Gulf of bothnia and Finland are also usually covered with ice.

In winter, Finland has similar periods of continuous darkness. In the northernmost areas of the country the sun never rises above the horizon for about 2 months. Southern Finland has some daylight each day, though it receives only about 6 hours of daylight a day in midwinter.

Northern Finland lies in the Land off the Midnight Sun and so has continuous daylight during part of the summer. The number of days of continuous daylight increases as one goes farther north. In northernmost Finland, the sun stays above the horizon for about 2,5 months. Southern Finland never has continuous daylight, though it averages 19 hours of daylight a day in midsummer.The winter night sky-especially in the northern areas of Finland-often becomes enriched with brilliant displays of the aurora borealisz or Northern Lights.

Especially in Atumn and winter the Weather can be hazardous with heavy snowfall and strong winds. weather changes can be abrupt and extreme, and can be very dangerous when you are "outdoor" and without good clothing.

Required clothing: Lightweights in warmer months, with extra woollens for walking and the cooler evenings. Medium- to heavyweights are advised in winter. Waterproofing is recommended throughout the year. Be prepared for rapid and extreme weather changes, no matter where and when you go.

Koeppen-Geiger classification:there are two different climate zones in Finland; Most regions have a Dfc Climate, a humid Snow Climate with less than four months above 10°C over average. The climate of the northern coastal areas and the mountainous regions can be classified as E Climate; an Ice climate with the warmest month under 10°C.